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Visit Riga: Your Travel Guide

Riga has an old soul and a young heart. It’s risen phoenix-like from a turbulent past to claim its crown as one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals. Among its stunning Art Nouveau buildings and storybook neighbourhoods, you’ll find prolific poets, innovative theatres, and noisy markets filled with Latvian dishes.

Things to Do in Riga

Riga Dome Cathedral

Perched at the edge of Dome Square, this ornate Lutheran cathedral’s a sight to behold. Venture inside for architectural wonderment (its history spans many centuries). Or do as locals do and take up your position on a café terrace in the square instead. Cuba Café’s the beloved pub for many a Rigan and provides a great ground-level view. Cheers to that!

There’s no older dwelling in all of Riga than this trio of houses, known playfully as “brothers”. The eldest of the three dates from the late 15th century. Blonde, green and eggshell in colour, the worn look of the buildings gives a half-haunted, half-hallowed feeling to onlookers. Architecture shows signs of Gothic, Renaissance, and Dutch influence.

Mazā Pils iela 17, 19, 21, Rīga

St. Peter's Church

Riga’s cityscape wouldn’t be the same without St. Peter’s iconic spire. The most famous cockerel in Riga has been perched on the top as a weather vane since 1690. Climb the observation tower for urban panoramas. After you’ve descended, check out the church hall, where rotating art exhibits turn the space into a veritable culture house.

Riga’s lucky to be on the water, and even luckier to have the Daugava Promenade. Enjoyed by many a summer stroller, it’s also lovely on crisp winter days. Nearby Central Market’s the place to accrue picnic supplies before hunkering down near the river and dabbling in Latvian local food. Watch as exercise-junkies zip by as part of their daily running regiment.

Bastion Hill

City parks – what’s not to love? Nothing says urban respite like this garden of green. Rising up next to the Freedom Monument, Bastion Hill serves Rigans with a dose of nature and tranquillity. Bridges are adorned with lovelocks, and canals have boats ready to sail in the summer. When the sun sets in Riga, there’s no better place to go.

Latvian National Opera

Dress to impress at the Latvian National Opera. Heralded as one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, this handsome neo-classical building’s exclusive air is just as magnificent on the inside. Debuting in 1919, just after Latvian independence, the company represents a significant piece of Riga’s history. Choose your performance poison - be it ballet or opera.

Aspazijas bulvāris 3, Rīga

Open Monday-Saturday 10:00-19:00, Sunday 11:00-19:00

Central Market

Riga’s liveliest bazaar isn’t just functional, local, and lovely, it’s also part of the Historic Centre of Riga, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Hemp butter, amber jewellery, sandthorn syrup, red bilberries, mountain ash, pig snouts, sauerkraut and kvass are just a few of the treats sold at this sustainable city market (1000+ stalls!). Drop in for an apt sample of Latvia’s past and contemporary flavours.

Nēģu iela 7, Rīga

Open Monday-Sunday 07:00-17:00

National Library of Latvia

Built to resemble the Hill of Glass from a famous Latvian play about cultural freedom, this library is a modern addition to the city. Also called, “The Castle of Light,” the building is chock-full of metaphorical symbolism. In Latvian lore, the castle of light symbolises the ability of wisdom to rise above darkness caused by war and occupation.

Mūkusalas iela 3, Rīga

Open Monday-Friday 12:00-20:00, Saturday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

Arena Riga

Ice hockey fans rejoice: you can practically smell the sweat from these stands. Arena Riga shines the spotlight on many an entertainer – be in pop star, rock band or comedy act. Basketball games also set the air abuzz. In the Baltics, this arena stands out as one of the region’s more modern, and most significant sports and entertainment hubs.

Skanstes iela 21, Rīga

Check website for details.

Latvian Ethnographic Museum

Brandish your farming tools and brush up on your foraging skills – this is one of Europe’s largest open-air museums. Stroll through reconstructed farmsteads to see how the lives, tools and daily items of long-ago fisherman, craftsmen and farmers looked. Nestled next to Jugla Lake, winter at the museum marks the perfect time to try your hand at ice-fishing, sledging or skiing.

St. Peter’s Church tower has been destroyed and rebuilt more times than you’d even care to count. It burned down in 1666 and after reconstruction, builders decided to "test" how long it would last by throwing a piece of glass off the tower. The more pieces it broke into, the longer it would last. Legend has it that the glass landed on some straw and barely broke. Sure enough, the spire burned down again just one year later.

St. Jacob’s Cathedral

What’s in a name? This cathedral isn't actually named for St. Jacob, but St. James the Greater of Santiago de Compostela. In Latvian, the names for James and Jacob are the same – hence the confusion. The building is a red-brick beauty full of sacred art and has a copper-plated spire reaching towards the sky. Beautiful!

Vērmanes Garden

Vermanes is a true Riga staple. The city’s oldest park has been a favorite relaxing spot with the locals for generations. On the benches, in the leafy shade of the trees, you’ll see people of all ages and backgrounds laughing and shooting the breeze. Chess aficionados can head to the small amphitheater – next to it, there’s always a series of intense chess battles going on between seasoned masters. If you’re up to it, you can even join in!

Latvian National Museum of Art

It’s always interesting to view a country’s history through the lens of its art. Take a trip down Latvia’s memory lane, through Impressionism, Cubism and more. Then reach the Soviet era and see how art becomes explicit propaganda, before reverting back after the 1980s. You might even discover some great artists along the way!

When to Go to Riga

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Traveler's Reviews & Photos

8

Very Good

It's a very compact Old Town area which is easily covered on foot. There are plenty of interesting places to eat and sights to see.
I would recommend the hop on bus and the walking tours. The Christmas markets were small but there was plenty else to see.
Suggest 3 nights is about right.

Steve

United Kingdom

December 10, 2017

10

Exceptional

Brilliant value for money. Lovely arcitecture. Locals all seemed lovely. The whole place is spotlessy clean. Riga old town had a hidden gem in every street.

Jamie

United Kingdom

December 3, 2017

10

Exceptional

Loved the place but 5 days was too long for us but flights meant that was the only length we could go for. Had a lovely apartment to go back to tho so wasn’t a problem.

Kierra

United Kingdom

December 3, 2017

10

Exceptional

Loved how easy it was to get around. Took the train to sigulda to visit castle and it was only 3 euros return.
Plenty of good restaurants in Riga and Gutenbergs hotel was fabulous

Judith

United Kingdom

December 7, 2017

10

Exceptional

The staff at the Naughty Squirrel Hostel can give you lots of tips. They're great!
Plan a day trip to Jurmala. Also look for Tom who gives free walking tours around Old Town.
Public transport is cheap and good!

Popular Neighborhoods in Riga

Stroll among the centre’s Art Nouveau architecture – it rivals any in the world. Or buy the city’s most charming groceries from the city’s most bustling market – Riga Central Market. Latvians love their drama. Classical values can be found in Latvian National Theatre. Bring your phrasebook though – it might not be in English!

A living history lesson. This dense cobbled district is a riverside grab bag of architectural delights. Lovers wait under the Laima Clock, Old Town’s unofficial entry point. Peruse epic art museums or spoil yourself at one of the world’s best opera houses. When the sun sets, “Omas Briljants” is the bar to be in.

This up-and-coming area’s best seen during daylight. Get to grips with your basic Latvian in Avoti’s top-notch second-hand shops, scrumptious bakeries and cheap eateries where Latvian is the only language spoken. Cold beetroot soup’s a local favourite, especially during sweltering summers. For trendy ‘tudes, join the local hipsters at Chomsky Bar after hours.

Leafy Ageskalns’s cobbled streets are full of quirky museums built to pay homage to poets, stage artists, and railways. In lush Victory Park, the Freedom Monument is a controversial point of interest. On Saturdays wander the authentic markets at Kalnciema kvartāls in search of local treats like sparkling birch tree wine.

Once a fishing village, this island is the only one that’s still inhabited. Cycle from one end to the other and check out the range of homes, from wooden houses to luxury suites. Stop off at Kipsala Beach for a summer sunbathe. Get your dose of culture with a show at the Kipsala International Exhibition Centre or a stirring performance at the concert hall.

Local Tips for Riga

Anita is born and raised in Riga and loves the capital’s busy life and many cultural activities.

Cemeteries and life after death play a big role in Latvian culture. Head to one of Riga's cemeteries – locally known as "Meža kapi" - to sense how well Latvians take care of their ancestors' graves. It almost looks like a park or a garden with all the fresh flowers and alleys.

Tõnis has lived in Riga for 1 year and loves discovering the locals’ favourite spots.

Kalnciema Quarter is the best getaway. It's like being in another world, where there’s a market, a party spot, a concert venue and delicious food on offer. The atmosphere is amazing and people are always nice and open minded.

Zane has lived in Riga for 25 years and loves all sorts of culture - from graffiti to Van Gogh!

Opening in 1923, this popcorn-free movie theatre was the first freestanding building in Riga intended exclusively for film screening. I simply love it because it has this 1920’s majestic and luxurious style that makes it classy, cosy and alternative, all at the same time.

Andris has lived 29 years in the city and spends his free time at the gym or on the dance floor.

If the weather is nice, take one of the Daugava River cruises. Both short canal cruises and longer trips are available. You can cruise out to the beach resort of Jūrmala or the popular Mežaparks region, where the biggest city park and the Riga Zoo are located.

Valdis has spent 15 years in Riga and loves biking through the city’s streets.

An area where history meets present! You will find century-old wood and brick buildings renovated with utmost care, and numerous restaurants – from modest to fancy – serving top-class local cuisine here.

Liene loves nature but can’t stay away from the buzzing city life for very long.

Right between the Riga Central Market and the Daugava River you will find a lively warehouse district that now houses cafés, restaurants, venues for art events, as well as a concert hall. In addition, a picturesque promenade along the river starts here.

Viesturs has lived in Riga for 20 years and loves skiing, festivals and beer.

Andrejsala (or Andrew Island) is a district in the former industrial port area, with nice alternative events, art studios, workshops and non-traditional shopping possibilities. You can enjoy a beer by the water while admiring the spectacular view of the ferries and yachts passing by.

Inese likes to get away from the busy centre to enjoy nature and go fishing with her daughter.

This park is an urban oasis, where both children and adults can relax. You can go for a picnic, a swim in the river or partake in water sports during the summer months, just a stone’s throw from the city centre. Live music events are also organised here.

Recommended in Riga

Riga is the biggest of the Baltic capitals, and it is the only one that really feels like a big city. Just walking the streets there is a lot to see, as the city has a beautiful mix of architectural styles. Especially impressive is the art nouveau architecture that accompanied the city's expansion at the turn of the 20th century.

Riga Transportation

Air – Riga International Airport

Buses, taxis and airport shuttles link Riga International Airport with the centre. Bus 22 departs opposite the terminal roughly every 15 minutes from 05:45–23:40 and takes about 25 minutes. Single tickets cost EUR 1.20 at travel information desks. Official taxis are green or red and take you to the centre in 20 minutes for approx. EUR 20. Airport Express Shuttles that stop at some of the city’s major hotels can be booked online in advance for EUR 5.

Riga’s train lines are not your best option for getting around within the city, but are great for reaching nearby cities, such as Jūrmala, Jelgava, Sigulda, Baltezers and Saulkrasti. Trains operate from around 05:00 until midnight, and departures are more frequent for certain destinations. Tickets are cheaper if bought from a station ticket office, but can also be bought as you board the train. Discounts are available for children and seniors.

Riga’s bus network covers most parts of the city and is a practical means of transport. Buses operate from 05:00 until midnight, and special night buses run after this. Tickets can be bought from newsagents around the city, and are also valid for trams and trolleybuses. A single ticket costs EUR 1.20, but tickets for 1, 2 or 3 days are also available. The Riga Card gives you access to all public transport, as well as discounts at many museums, restaurants and shops.

The most tourist-friendly taxis in the city are either green or red. Opt for these to avoid costly and unnecessarily long taxi rides. Most drivers speak English and green taxis accept credit cards. The prices are found on the passenger door, and you can choose to pay per kilometre or per minute. Big hotels have taxi stands, but you can also hail a car on the streets. If you order by phone, the operator can give you a taxi fare quote for your route.

The city tram has 9 routes – which overlap with several bus routes – and are the quicker option when getting around. Tickets for trams, trolleybuses and buses are the same and can be purchased at newsagents around the city.

The trolleybuses run less frequently than the ordinary buses in Riga, but are probably more charming to travel in. Stepping on to some of the well-preserved trolleybuses gives you a taste of what public transport looked like in the old days. Tickets can be bought from newsagents across the city.

Cycling is a popular way of getting around the city. Sixt offers a self-service bike rental system, with over 250 bicycles parked at stations in Riga and Jūrmala. You can cycle from the centre of the capital to the seaside freely; just register online or directly onsite. Designated cycling routes also link the Western parts of the city to the Eastern parts.

Car

Getting around the city’s centre is more practical via public transport than by car, although traffic is generally not too bad – except during rush hours (08:00–10:00 and 17:00–19:00). Keep in mind that many streets in the Old Town are one-way, and outdoor parking spots are limited. Several car parks are found next to blue P-marked signs around the centre. A number of car rental companies offer their services at Riga International Airport.